A hint of confusion and curiosity swept over me, and my fingertips paused on the doorknob, hesitant to withdraw.
But curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't resist stepping into the room. The next moment, I found myself staring at an empty space.
My sister was gone!
Her bed was incredibly neat, the duvet folded perfectly, and not a single strand of hair on the pillow. I ran my hand over the spot where she had slept, still warm, proving she hadn't left long ago.
Suddenly, on a tea table nearby, I spotted an envelope. I opened it carefully, and a yellowed letter fluttered out. It read: "I'm sorry, He Sheng, I actually lied to you. The time has come for me to make a choice, and I can't let my selfishness jeopardize our family's honor. Not just Grandpa, but Father too, they'll both support me. Don't worry, I'll be fine. But don't look for me. You can't handle this matter, so let me handle it, bear it alone. You focus on your cases—Sister."
How could this be? Sister, what exactly are you going to deal with?
Why wouldn't you tell me?
We could handle anything together. I'm your brother, your dearest brother.
Why must you bear it all alone? Don't think you can be reckless just because you're invincible?
There are so many dangers in this world that you're unaware of?
Sister, what are you thinking? Please don't leave me, okay?
Ever since Uncle was brought to justice, you're the only living relative I have left. I don't want to be as lonely as I was before. Even though I've grown up, familial love is something everyone needs.
My mind was a whirlwind of chaos. The letter in my hand felt as heavy as the legendary Xuanyuan Sword, capable of shaking the world. Clutching the yellowed envelope tightly, I suddenly noticed a sword mark on its edge, made by Sister's graceful sword. She had intended to remind me to open the letter carefully, but I had simply torn it open the moment I saw it.
I looked around and discovered a single left footprint on the windowsill. This was left by Sister when she used her qinggong.
It seemed she had left through the window. I followed that direction outside. It had just rained, so if she had passed by, there should be footprints in the mud. But with her qinggong, she probably landed on a nearby tree. I didn't climb up but observed the fallen leaves on the ground. They indicated someone had stepped on a nearby tree trunk, causing a slight tremor in the wood.
Because her movements were so light, the number of fallen leaves disturbed was minimal, and their freshness differed from those that had fallen naturally.
I was actually analyzing these details. I knew I couldn't find her now. If He Bailing wanted to hide, I wouldn't be able to find her. But this time, even though I knew it was futile, I couldn't let her face this alone. Although she didn't say it explicitly, I realized this matter was absolutely not simple, perhaps even extremely dangerous. A slight misstep could lead to disaster for both of us.
I hurried back to the Provincial Department and recounted everything to everyone. Liu Yuning said, "He Bailing doesn't seem like someone who would joke about this. She must have encountered some problem. From what's written between the lines, it's clear she left with reluctance and regret."
"He Xin, have you found any clues?" I sat beside her. She was anxiously asking Yuan Hez upon to cooperate with the investigation, but after a while, He Xin shook her head and said, "If we could find her, we wouldn't have had so much trouble in the past. Alas, that woman is a martial heroine, a reclusive master. Unless you know Feng Shui, you can forget about it!"
Sigh. I knew the outcome would be like this. I glanced around and saw that He Jinghui hadn't left; he was still standing there like a great Buddha. I rushed over to him anxiously: "Jinghui, aren't you going to look for her?"
"I don't know where she went, how can I look? It's too strange. This disciple of mine is probably hiding something from me. She just slipped away without even notifying me, her master."
I could tell He Jinghui's reaction was normal, with no sign of lying. I didn't know what I was doing, actually suspecting him. I didn't ask him again. He Jinghui stood with his arms crossed, watching the screen with us, but he didn't seem interested in the surveillance footage. He was just there as my bodyguard, ready to act if needed.
This job shouldn't have required a great figure like him. I actually wanted him to go look for her, but he didn't seem inclined to do so.
Then I couldn't force him. After watching the surveillance for a while, I couldn't find anything and had to put it aside for the moment. After all, He Bailing wouldn't answer her phone, wouldn't use her ID, and other methods would be even less likely to find her.
Sometimes I would think, if that woman were to commit crimes, she would truly be a headache for the police. Even if she were surrounded, she could probably escape quickly.
I truly hoped that Sister's sudden disappearance this time wouldn't turn out as I feared, otherwise, I wouldn't know the consequences myself.
I asked the information department to continue searching and went to my office to rest, intending to put this matter aside for now. However, the moment I sat down, the 110 emergency dispatch center broadcasted a case: "Members of the Crime Punisher Team, please note, we have received a report of a bleeding box found at the Ronghua Orchard in Guangming City. Please proceed to the crime scene with the criminal investigation team!"
Upon hearing the broadcast, I immediately put on my coat and called the Crime Punisher Team members to head to the scene.
On the way, Liu Yuning gave me a thumbs-up and praised, "You're still so dedicated. Given your position, you don't need to do this yourself, yet you're always on the front lines."
"The higher the position, the greater the responsibility. How can I not be on the front lines? The Crime Punisher Team must always be led by me, just like my father."
"Yes, Deputy Director He, your command is my honor!"
Liu Yuning's deep eyes sparkled, and the corners of her mouth curved into a smile, her dimples appearing. "If you weren't a police officer, but a military officer, given your courage, wisdom, and strategic abilities, you could probably be a battalion commander or higher."
"Stop teasing me. We've arrived! Let's get out of the car!"
We immediately entered the orchard at the crime scene. The forensic team, carrying their investigation kits, followed me to the bloody wooden box, which was located beneath an apple tree.
Bloodstains were already visible on the ground beneath the tree. The reporter was the orchard's administrator. This spot would not have drawn attention because the fruit tree was in a secluded area, with a fence behind it and a large pond behind the fence. There were no surveillance cameras nearby.